Military Awards Trivia Quiz

Answer: Victoria Cross

The actual metal used in the striking of a Victoria Cross is taken from bronze cannons captured by the British forces during the Crimean War. It is one of the world's most prestigious awards for bravery.

Answer: Order of the Black Eagle

While the Order of the Black Eagle is a higher classed award, it was not granted for feats of bravery but rather for acts of loyalty to the crown, unlike the more famous Pour le Merite, the Blue Max.

Answer: The Navy Cross

This decoration was originally awarded for combat and noncombat heroism. Although most of the early awards were issued for World War I service, others were presented for heroism in rescue opertions involving submarine disasters. It was made a combat-only award in 1942, and was also given precedence over the Distinguished Service Medal at this time, making it the Navy's second highest decoration.

Answer: Star of Military Valour

Canada, as a British dominion, did not institute its own system of military awards until 1972. Until that time, it simply used the British award system, alhough awards that confered herditary title (knighthood) were prohibited after 1919. After 1972, the only British award that was retained by Canada was the Victoria Cross.

Answer: The Order of St. Andrew the First Called

The order of St. Andrew the First Called was not a common award and was reserved for royalty and visiting heads of state, although it could be awarded for exceptional military feats. The order of St. George, on the other hand was an exclusively military award and is widely considered to be among the world's most prestigious.

Answer: The Order of Lenin

The Order of Lenin could be presented to anyone or anything, in fact, that enhanced the prestige and glory of the Soviet Union. Both the city of Leningrad and Stalingrad were presented The Order of Lenin and declared Hero Cities following the defeat of Germany in World War II. It could also be awarded for scientific or political contributions.

Answer: The Cross of Liberty

Finland, upon gaining its independence from Russia in 1918, quickly moved to establish its own system of military awards, separate from those used by the Russians. This is a primary reason why the concept of liberation is used so frequently in the names of Finnish awards.

Answer: Legion d'Honneur

The Legion d'Honneur is normally granted for contributions to the French nation. It has gone through several different types since its creation during the French Revolution, but its basic concept has remained the same.

Answer: The Order of Medjid

The Order of Medjid, founded in 1852, was the lowest ranking Ottoman order, but nonetheless was considered prestigious. It was frequently awarded to German officers who served in Turkey during WW1. The Order was also bestowed on British subjects prior to the war for service in Egypt and in the Crimean War.

Answer: Order of the White Eagle

The Order of the White Eagle was originally created in 1325, but was absorbed into the Russian award system with the annexation of Poland in 1831. It was not until Polish independence was restored in 1921, that the Order of the White Eagle was re-established as Poland's highest award.